UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, 50, was reportedly separated from his wife, Paulette Thompson, at the time of his untimely death outside the New York Hilton Midtown on December 4. The Wall Street Journal reported that the couple had been living separately in Maple Grove, Minnesota, for years. Despite their separation, Thompson remained close to his family, purchasing a second home near Paulette and their children in 2018.
A Tragic Morning in Manhattan
On December 4, as Thompson was en route to an investor conference for UnitedHealthcare’s parent company, tragedy struck. Surveillance footage captured a gunman approaching him from behind and firing twice—once after Thompson had already fallen. He passed away from his wounds soon after being taken to the hospital.
The assailant fled on an electric Citi Bike, leaving behind a chilling clue: three ominous words etched onto the bullet casings. Despite ongoing efforts by the NYPD, the suspect remains at large.
Threats and Unanswered Questions
According to Paulette Thompson, her husband had received threats before traveling to New York, possibly tied to frustrations over UnitedHealthcare’s insurance policies. “All I know is that he said some people had been threatening him,” she told NBC News.
Paulette, in a letter to FOX 9, portrayed Brian as “a profoundly loving, generous, and talented person who lived life to its fullest and touched many hearts.” She expressed that the family is “heartbroken” by the tragedy and is focusing on comforting their children during this challenging period.
Investigation and Motives
The NYPD is actively investigating the case, offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the suspect’s arrest. Speculation about the motive includes possible grievances tied to Thompson’s role as CEO, particularly surrounding Medicare Advantage claim denials, which have been a source of public criticism.
As the investigation continues, Thompson’s death leaves a void in both his personal and professional circles, sparking questions about the broader implications of his murder and its connection to his work.
